Winnipeg man turns backyard into a hot pepper paradise
A Winnipeg man is turning the negativity of not being able to travel during the pandemic into a positive by developing a new skill in gardening.
Usually during the winter months, Udo Staschik spends his time in the South Pacific, but because of COVID-19, that hasn't been possible.
He said he had become very bored over the last year and a half and started working on a new project -- growing hot peppers.
"A friend, he had his pepper tree which is, no kidding, 10 feet tall, eight feet wide," said Staschik. "So I thought if he can do it, I can do it."
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik started to grow a variety of hot peppers and filled his backyard with them, noting during the summer he had around 100 plants.
"I guess I have right now about 20, maybe 25 different types, going from super unbearable hot that I would only offer my enemy and some that are absolutely great."
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik said he starting growing the peppers as a way to bring the destinations he typically travels to during the winter months, to Winnipeg.
"In my head, I'm sitting there and I can look into the lush greens and I feel like, 'Well, okay, I am doing a bit of a holiday here'," Staschik explained.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
He added the activity has become fun for him and helps fulfill his curious side in seeing what he is able to grow.
"And a challenge for myself. I want to see if I can grow (them)," he said.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik said he hopes to continue this new passion and hopes it will show other people it is possible to grow hot peppers in an environment like Winnipeg. He added that it shows Winnipeggers that they don't have to buy peppers from international markets; they can come straight from local growers in the city.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.